It’s open season at crown green bowls club as beginners are welcomed free of charge

Worksop Cricket and Sports Club, Central Avenue, Worksop.'The Flat Green Bowls Section of Worksop Cricket and Sports Club will be starting the 2010 season with a conservatory style extension to the pavillion.'Picture: The new extension to the pavillion.

Published:12:21Friday 10 April 2015

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A local bowls club will open its doors to the general public every Saturday morning from now until June, in a bid to increase membership.

The crown green bowls section of Worksop Cricket and Sports Club want to share their enjoyment of the sport with more people in the area.

Maurice Buckingham said an open door policy and free coaching has paid off for other clubs in the region, inspiring Worksop Cricket and Sports Club to start their own beginners’ scheme.

He told the Guardian: “The British Crown Green Bowling Association have been concerned for a number of years that fewer and fewer people are playing.”

“People have the idea that it’s an old person’s game, but you only have to go as far as Derby to find young people playing in junior leagues.”

“Two years ago there was a scheme set up in each area, with a nominated club opening their green on Saturdays so anyone could come and try the sport and see what they thought.”

“If they liked it they could keep coming and then become a member.”

“It has worked at Todwick and Dinnington, they did it and recruited about 20-odd members each year.”

The hope is that people of any age, whether in their 20s or newly retired, will give the sport a go, enjoy it, bring their friends and swell the ranks of Worksop Cricket and Sports Club’s crown green bowling arm at their Central Avenue base.

Buckingham said: “There’s no charge, the coaching will be free of charge.”

“It’s a great game, once you get hooked on it, and you meet so many great people.”

A Crown Green Bowling Association statement said: “Crown green bowls is a sport for all ages.”

“This sport can and will provide many years of enjoyment and interest to all players.”

“Whether that interest remains purely at club level or expands into county or even national level, the aim is the same – enjoyment.”

“All the family can play crown green bowls, from grandchildren to grandparents and it is a great sport for making new friends.”

“It is a non-contact sport which is enjoyed by all, including people with disabilities.”

The Central Avenue green will be open from 10am to 12pm any Saturday morning from April to June.

Bowls will be provided and club members will be on hand to provide coaching and tuition.

Newcomers will just need to bring a pair of flat shoes.

For more information on the beginners sessions, or for membership enquiries call 01909 482044.